North West LHIN
LOOKING BACK
AND MOVING FORWARD
North West LHIN
LEADERSHIP AWARD
Ten Years of Accomplishments
NORTH WEST LHIN QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
WINTER EDITION 2015
www.northwestlhin.on.ca
LHINkages
Winter Newsletter
Sharing Health Care News, Stories and Developments in Northwestern Ontario
Table of Contents
Feature Story: Looking Back and Moving Forward: 10 Years of Accomplishments
1
North West LHIN Leadership Award
3
Profile: Joy Warkentin – Change. Inspiration. Leadership.
4
Closing the Loop - Guide Your Health: Your Story, Your Future and the Integrated Health Services Plan 2016-2019
5
North West LHIN Health Services Blueprint – Keeping You Informed
6
Board in Brief – Selected Highlights from the North West LHIN Board of Directors Meetings
7
Exciting Changes
Entering the Home Stretch – Opening the New Hogarth Riverview Manor
8
Improved Access to Surgical Care at Lake of the Woods District Hospital
8
Home Sweet Home for the Réseau du mieux-être francophone du Nord de l’Ontario
9
Appointments and Accolades
9
Local Physician Appointed as New President of the Ontario College of Family Physicians
9
Ontario College of Family Physicians Honours Local Doctors
10
Pikangikum First Nation Health Authority Receives Core Values Award
10
Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre Wins Quality Healthcare Workplace Award
11
Flu Season is Coming: Know Your Health Care Options
11
The North West LHIN’s Guide to Snow Day Streaming
12
Upcoming Events
12
Mission, Vision & Values
Mission
Develop an innovative, sustainable and efficient health
system in service to the health and wellness of the
people of the North West LHIN.
Vision
Healthier people, a strong health system-our future.
Values
1. Person-centred
2. Culturally Sensitive
3. Sustainable
4. Accountable
5. Collaborative
6. Innovative
If you would like a digital or eCopy our Ten Years of
Accomplishments document, please send your email to
[email protected], or visit us on our
website at www.northwestlhin.on.ca
Looking Back and Moving Forward:
10 Years of Accomplishments
4
FEATURING THE
2015 marks an important milestone for the North West LHIN. Ten years ago, in June
of 2005, the North West LHIN was established, and embarked on a journey like never
before. Through the Local Health System Integration Act, it was acknowledged that
a community’s health needs and priorities are best developed by the community,
its health care providers, and the people that they serve. This will be the first in
a series of three articles featuring some of the highlights of the first decade of
the North West LHIN. To read the full report entitled “Looking Back and Moving
Forward, Ten Years of Accomplishments” please visit the North West LHIN’s website:
www.northwestlhin.on.ca.
YEARS
FIRST
North West LHIN Celebrates 10 Years in
Service to the Residents of Northwestern Ontario
Year One: 2005 - 2006
ÆÆ North West LHIN incorporated on June 16, 2005
ÆÆ Local Health System Integration Act (LHSIA)
receives Royal Assent on March 28, 2006
ÆÆ North West LHIN moves into its new home:
975 Alloy Drive, Thunder Bay, ON
A Message to Residents
Laura Kokocinski,
CEO of the North West LHIN
ÆÆ North West LHIN consults with public to
determine health care priorities
ÆÆ North West LHIN Board of Directors launches its
inaugural Strategic Directions (2006-2009)
Looking back and moving forward – a simple and honest statement as I reflect on the
North West LHIN’s first 10 years in service to the residents of Northwestern Ontario.
From the earliest days of the North West LHIN, there has been a steadfast commitment
to hearing from the people of Northwestern Ontario. The knowledge and experiences of
local residents, caregivers, government organizations, and health services providers: all
are important, and all help to shape the planning and decision-making of the North West
LHIN in delivering a health care system that meets the needs of this vast region that
we call home. I would like to extend my sincere thank you to everyone in Northwestern
Ontario for your candid insights, your willingness to share your experience and your
courageous championing of challenges and solutions.
It is with great pleasure that I share with you the work of the North West LHIN and our
health service provider partners over the past 10 years.”
1
Year Two: 2006 - 2007
JJ North West LHIN negotiates its first Service
Accountability Agreements (SAA) with all
hospitals in the region
JJ North West LHIN sets its Mission, Vision and
Values
JJ The North West LHIN releases its first
Community Engagement Plan
JJ After extensive public consultation, North West
LHIN launches its first Integrated Health
Services Plan (IHSP)
4
FEATURING THE
YEARS
FIRST
Community Engagement
Supports Planning
Year Three: 2007 - 2008
JJ North West LHIN Project
Management Office launches
North West LHIN Board of Directors, Manitouwadge – November, 2013
Governanace to Governance, Kenora - May, 2015
Value Stream Mapping - Mapping the Patient Journey - Kenora, 2013
Exercise and Falls Prevention Class - Thunder Bay, 2014
When the North West LHIN was formed, the
Advisory Teams, Committees, and Working
very first activities were about engagement
Groups consisting of both LHIN-funded and
and relationship-building, and this focus has
non-LHIN funded health sector partners
continued through to this day. The knowledge
who
and experiences of local residents, caregivers,
and knowledge through the lens of their
government organizations and health service
experiences in the community. The North
providers inform North West LHIN’s planning
West LHIN staff and board travel far and
and decision-making, ensuring that the needs
wide, hosting meetings and engagement
and priorities of local communities are a
sessions in communities across the region.
JJ First North West LHIN Aboriginal
Health Forum takes place in Thunder
Bay
JJ Ministry of Health and Long-Term
Care (MOHLTC) announces Aging at
Home Strategy
JJ MOHLTC transfers responsibility for
existing SAAs to LHINs
JJ Wait Time Strategy initiated
JJ Centre of Excellence for Integrated
Seniors’ Services announced
JJ Emergency Department (ED) Pay for
Results launches at Thunder Bay
Regional Health Sciences Centre
Year Four: 2008 - 2009
JJ Share Your Story, Shape Your Care!
campaign launches to inform the
second IHSP
JJ North West LHIN launches Chronic
Disease Self-Management
JJ North West LHIN-wide Falls Injury
Prevention Collaborative is formed
JJ Geriatric Mobile Unit (Mary Berglund
CHC) brings care in the community
to seniors in Ignace and surrounding
area
contribute
diverse
perspectives
prominent voice in shaping the health care
system in Northwestern Ontario. The North
Engagement does not have a beginning
West LHIN remains committed to ongoing
or end – it’s really a conversation and a
engagement and planning with Aboriginal
relationship that continues. The North West
and Francophone stakeholders, communities
LHIN thanks the residents and every person
and health service providers to improve
who has contributed to making the health
access to services across the continuum
care system stronger, better, and more
of care in a way that is both culturally and
responsive to individual needs.
linguistically appropriate.
Those who are not able to join the North
To inform
validate
plans for service delivery and
directions
improvements,
for
the
health
North
West
system
LHIN
convenes a number of broad stakeholder
2
West LHIN in person are encouraged to join
the conversation online at any time through
the www.northwestlhin.on.ca website or on
Facebook and Twitter social media sites.
North West LHIN
Leadership Award
On December 14, 2015, the North West LHIN presented the inaugural
North West LHIN Leadership Award to the City of Thunder Bay
Integrated District Network (IDN) Health Link Steering Committee,
which was recognized for its Commendable Approach to Collaboration/
Partnership.
The IDN Health Link Steering Committee, whose membership reflects
a broad spectrum of health care providers and related organizations,
Leadership Award Recipient: City of Thunder Bay Integrated District Network Health Link Steering Committee.
Nominated for their achievement of significant system cost savings, their commitment to a person-centred
philosophy, and their collaboration with system partners as the Health Link program was implemented in the City
of Thunder Bay.
oversees the Health Link program in the City of Thunder Bay. Health
Links bring providers from numerous organizations and sectors
together, such as primary care, emergency services, mental health and
addictions, long-term care, and housing, to better coordinate care for
individuals with the greatest health care needs.
The Steering Committee’s approach has been successful for a number
of reasons. For example, Health Link clients drive their own care
through the development of a Coordinated Care Plan, which outlines
the goals they consider to be most important to their health. The
Coordinated Care Plan is followed by every member of the Health Link
team to ensure those goals remain at the forefront of all care decisions.
Another reason for success has been the creation of Health Coach
position to assist a client in implementing their Coordinated Care Plan.
In addition, the Health Link has also produced significant cost savings
for the health care system in the City of Thunder Bay, most notably
through reductions in visits to the Emergency Department, hospital
Leadership Award Finalist: Arlene Thomson, Director, Cardiovascular & Stroke Program, Thunder Bay Regional
Health Sciences Centre. Nominated for the partnerships she fostered and the passion she exuded as she worked
tirelessly over the course of over two decades to establish a comprehensive cardiovascular program in
Northwestern Ontario.
admissions, and avoidable ambulance trips.
Joy Warkentin, North West LHIN Board Chair, was thrilled to present the
Steering Committee with the award on behalf of the North West LHIN.
“The Steering Committee’s efforts to bring the Health Link program to
life serve as an inspiration to others, and are a shining example of the
North West LHIN
person-centred, sustainable, and collaborative transformation that the
LEADERSHIP AWARD
North West LHIN and its partners are working to achieve,” she said.
Also nominated was Arlene Thomson, Director of the Cardiovascular
and Stroke Program at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences
Health service providers across the region
were invited to nominate individuals, teams,
or organizations for the Leadership Award,
introduced this year as part of the North West
LHIN’s 10th Anniversary celebrations and
awarded at the North West LHIN’s annual
Open House event.
Centre. Recognized as a finalist for the Leadership Award, Arlene
worked tirelessly over the course of over two decades to establish a
comprehensive cardiovascular program in Northwestern Ontario
Hats off to the finalists from the North West LHIN Board and staff - we
look forward to next year’s submissions!
For more information on the North West Leadership Award or on
Healtt Links, visit www.northwestlhin.on.ca
3
Meet Joy Warkentin,
Chair of the North West LHIN Board of Directors
CHANGE. INSPIRATION. LEADERSHIP.
JOY WARKENTIN IS THE CHAIR OF THE NORTH WEST LHIN BOARD OF DIRECTORS. SHE IS A PASSIONATE LEADER, COMMITTED TO
THE HEALTH AND WELLNESS OF THE RESIDENTS OF NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO, A REGION SHE CALLS HOME. DRIVEN BY A STRONG
DESIRE TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY, JOY’S CAREER HAS BEEN ONE OF GROWTH, LIFELONG LEARNING, AND LEADERSHIP.
JOY IS A NATURAL COACH, AND HER WILLINGNESS TO SHARE HER WISDOM GAINED THROUGH EXPERIENCE TO ASSIST FUTURE
LEADERS IN FINDING THEIR OWN PATH IS COMMENDABLE.
When asked what advice she would give to
Chair of Health Sciences then Associate Dean,
continues to set high expectations for herself
someone setting out in the workforce today,
Academic at Confederation College.
and her colleagues in service to the residents
Joy Warkentin’s response was candid: “My
four to five years of my career, I would ask
of Northwestern Ontario.
advice to students that I worked with in my life
myself what more can I do?” said Joy, who took
is an important agency, and the work they
was always that they should have a career path
to heart the advice of an anatomy instructor
do is incredible. I think it’s the only way for
that looks forward five to ten years, and work
who inspired her early on to explore the things
the North to have a sustainable health care
steadfastly towards that goal. That was not
that resonated with Joy, things Joy could be
system.
the advice I followed.”
passionate about.
and what is trying to be accomplished inspires
On graduation from high school, Joy asked
Along with the learning that comes with an
challenging and expansive system so that
a friend a serendipitous question: what are
evolving career, Joy continued her formal
it can be sustainable in terms of equitable
you going to do when you finish school? The
learning, and obtained her Master of Education
access as well as managing costs now and
friend said, “I’m going into nursing,” and to Joy,
in Curriculum, and held a number of volunteer
in future.
it sounded like a good idea. Joy completed
positions that allowed her to give back to the
amongst health service providers can lead us
a nursing diploma at St. Boniface Hospital in
community.
to very good results.”
Winnipeg, but early on she began a journey to
career was with Fanshawe College in London,
do more. For several years, Joy worked as a
Ontario, where she put policies in place that led
Joy is an active member of the Board of
nurse at St. Boniface Hospital, and then at
to improvements in academic success. “When
Management of the Ontario College Quality
Lake of the Woods District Hospital in Kenora.
you set higher expectations for people, they will
Assurance Service, a Board that she has
Enrolling at the University of Manitoba, Joy
usually rise to meet those expectations,” said
chaired for six years. When Joy is not working
pursued a degree in nursing, but life has a
Joy of the rise in graduation rates after raising
steadfastly as a community leader, she can be
way of bringing about change. She became
the grade point average for eligibility.
Joy
found spending family time with her children
pregnant with her first child, and following
retired as Senior Vice-President of Academics,
and grandchildren. Joy is an avid bridge player,
maternity leave, began teaching nursing at
and shortly thereafter was named its first Vice-
voracious reader, traveller, and – believe it or
Miseracordia Hospital in Winnipeg.
President Emeritus by Fanshawe College’s
not – an avid sailor whose adventures took her
Board of Directors. She was the 2009 recipient
to Bahamas and back.
“Every
“I think the LHIN
The entire transformation agenda,
me. It requires influencing a really complex,
The culmination of her formal
True collaboration between and
After a few years, life once again brought
of the Minister’s Lifetime Achievement Award,
about change, this time in a move to Thunder
presented by the Minister of Training, Colleges,
Joy’s term on the North West LHIN Board
Bay. Every change presents an opportunity
and Universities.
of Directors will be finished at the end of
for Joy: “I enrolled at Lakehead University,
January, 2016.
We can’t thank her enough
and completed my degree in sociology.” Joy’s
First as a Board Director, and now as Chair of
for her leadership and dedication to improve
career evolved from nursing instructor to
the North West LHIN Board of Directors, Joy
healthcare in Northwestern Ontario.
4
Closing the Loop
Guide Your Health: Your Story, Your Future and The North West
LHIN’s Fourth Integrated Health Services Plan
One of the best parts of a journey is coming
Guide Your Health: Your Story, Your Future, the
back to where you started. The North West
campaign offered residents the opportunity
LHIN’s journey began in 2005 with a promise
to leave their footprint on health care in their
to continue the conversation with residents
communities visiting the North West LHIN’s
about the priorities they considered most
booth at community events across the
important for their health and that of their
region, in person during LHIN-led community
communities, both in the near future and
workshops, and online through the campaign
further down the road.
website and social media.
Between April and June 2015, the North
Thank you to all for your enthusiasm in
West LHIN collected ideas and stories
sharing your experiences and insights on
from residents region-wide to support the
behalf of your communities. The North
development of the next Integrated Health
West LHIN looks forward to your continued
Services Plan (IHSP), which will come into
guidance as we journey together toward
effect on April 1, 2016. Appropriately entitled
better health in the Northwest.
The Making of an IHSP
COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT
IHSP DRAFTING
IHSP RELEASE
ONGOING
ENGAGEMENT
April-June, 2015
July -January, 2015
February 1, 2016
2016-2019
JJ Community events
and health expos
JJ Community workshops
JJ Online engagement
JJ North West LHIN Board
approval of IHSP Draft:
October 28
JJ North West LHIN submission
of IHSP Draft to Ministry of
Health and Long-Term Care:
October 30
JJ Public distribution of
LHIN Board and Ministryapproved IHSP
JJ Continued community
engagement
JJ Validate the existing
IHSP, and inform the next
IHSP
5
Launched in 2012, the North West LHIN Health Services Blueprint is a 10-year plan to reshape, strengthen
and sustain the health care system in Northwestern Ontario – today, tomorrow and for the future. What’s
important to know is that the Health Services Blueprint is a plan designed by Northwestern Ontario for
Northwestern Ontario. Read on to learn about recent activities and initiatives.
NORTH WEST LHIN HEALTH SERVICES BLUEPRINT – KEEPING YOU INFORMED
Year four of the Health Services Blueprint will
between the two sites through increased
the delivery of integrated care for many years.
be one of integration and progress, and will
integration. According to Adam Brown, CEO
We’ve formalized it in the North West LHIN’s
see the North West LHIN will collaborating
of Wilson Memorial and The McCausland
Health Services Blueprint. Now we’re making
with a number of health service providers
Hospital, “This is about re-thinking our
it a reality through pilot programs where care
from across the region to pilot forward-
approach, about planning to the needs of the
is better coordinated, easier to navigate, and
looking scenarios developed last year to
people of our region and building services
supports residents in achieving the health
improve how health care is organized and
and programs around that.”
goals that matter to them.”
the pilot programs must demonstrate value:
Over the weeks to come, residents of
Visit our website www.northwestlhin.on.ca
they must help people to achieve the health
Northwestern Ontario can expect to see
to read more about the Health Services
outcomes that are important to them in a way
more health service providers across the
Blueprint.
that is sustainable now and for generations
region identified as project sites. The pilot
to come.
sites will then begin the work of developing
delivered. The measure of success is that
implementation plans to validate these
The North West LHIN is very pleased to
innovative and exciting ways of delivering
share that the Board of Directors for Wilson
more seamless, more integrated care.
Memorial General Hospital in Marathon and
The McCausland Hospital in Terrace Bay
“This is not about finding ways to work more
issued a resolution to proceed with becoming
efficiently within the system as it exists right
a pilot site. The next step will be for these
now; this is about transformation,” said Laura
hospitals to develop a business case to
Kokocinski, CEO of the North West LHIN.
change the way that health care is organized
“We’ve been talking about and planning for
6
Board in Brief – Selected Highlights from the North
West LHIN Board of Directors
Do you know that the meetings of the North West LHIN Board of Directors are open to the
public? To learn more, visit the North West LHIN’s website. The following are selected
highlights of the past three months.
Advancing
the Regional
Palliative Care
Plan
AN INNOVATIVE VIRTUAL APPROACH TO CARE
Health service providers across the North West LHIN are actively involved in the
implementation of the North West LHIN Regional Palliative Care Plan. Integrated approaches
are in the developmental phase in five local health hubs including: Dryden, Sioux Lookout,
Nipigon, Red Lake and Geraldton with remaining communities to follow in the coming year.
An innovative virtual approach to care is expanding across the LHIN connecting specialists
with their patients in their homes through the telepalliation program. Many First Nations
communities are involved in this virtual initiative.
Endorsing Initial Stage of Capital Submission for Red Lake
Margaret Cochenour Memorial Hospital
The North West LHIN Board of Directors endorsed the initial stage of a capital submission
from Red Lake Margaret Cochenour Memorial Hospital for the replacement of the air
handling unit. A new air conditioning system on the patient care wing will help the hospital
to continue meeting current standards of care and/or best practices for infection control,
patient and staff safety, and air quality. The new unit will take advantage of the newly
available supply of natural gas to the community and to the hospital, which is expected to
save annual operating costs for the hospital. The capital planning process is a joint review
process between the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) and the Local
Health Integration Networks (LHIN).
Connecting Northern Eastern Ontario (cNEO) Community Expansion
Building on recent pilots of electronic
April 2015, the electronic notifications have
notifications between the Community Care
enabled CCAC care coordination staff to
Access Centres (CCAC) and hospitals within
inform service providers much more quickly
the North West and North East LHINs, the
when patients are in hospital, thus allowing
Connecting Northern and Eastern Ontario
resources to be reallocated to other patients
(cNEO)
project
in the community rather than searching for a
expanded this feature to 37 hospitals in the
patient who is in the hospital receiving care.
North West and North East. Now, when a
The project is in alignment with the overall
patient receiving CCAC services presents
cNEO program to accelerate the delivery of
at a hospital in either LHIN, an electronic
the Electronic Health Record in northern and
notification will be provided back to the
eastern Ontario.
Community
Expansion
CCAC in real-time. Fully-implemented in
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How Tweet It Is!
What people are saying on
the North West LHIN Social
Media hub.
“Healthy Workplace Month
Challenge! Educate. Engage.
Empower. #HealthyLiving”
EXCITING CHANGES
Entering the Home Stretch – Opening
the New Hogarth Riverview Manor
This has been an exciting year for the advancement Centre of
Excellence for Integrated Seniors’ Services (CEISS). Construction of the
new Hogarth Riverview Manor (HRM) is nearly complete, with residents
set to move in early 2016.
North West LHIN CEO Laura Kokocinski reflects on the realization of
this complex, multi-year project. “The HRM Expansion has been a
remarkable undertaking,” she said. “The North West LHIN is grateful for
the support of all partners involved in the planning and construction
processes, as well as the transition of residents to their new home.”
“The CEISS Project helps to address an urgent need in our system
for more options to support seniors as they age, from those living
independently to those requiring mild or moderate support at home,
to the frail elderly requiring long-term care,” she added. “The programs,
services, and care that will be available at HRM will certainly go a long
way to help residents maintain their health and independence. We’d like
to say to all of the residents and families who have eagerly awaited
HRM’s opening – welcome home.”
Improved Access to Surgical Care at Lake of
the Woods District Hospital
Patients First: Proposal to Strengthen PatientCentred Health Care in Ontario
Improving patient safety and planning through the future – that is what’s
On December 17, 2015, Eric Hoskins, Minister of Health
and Long-Term Care, announced the next stage of the
Patients First: Action Plan for Health Care, the “Proposal
to Strengthen Patient-Centred Health Care in Ontario.”
The Proposal outlines an expanded role for local health
integration networks (LHINs) including primary care,
home and community care, and public health.
happening at Lake of the Woods District Hospital (LWDH) in Kenora.
Thanks to an investment of up to $8.7 million by the Ministry of Health
and Long-Term Care, construction will soon be underway to redevelop
the central sterilization room and operating theatres at LWDH.
Laura Kokocinski, CEO of the North West LHIN, is excited about the
changes. “We welcome this investment from the Ministry of Health
The province is seeking feedback on the Proposal from
the public and the health care sector. To learn more,
click here.
and Long-Term Care to improve the operating theatres and sterilizing
rooms at Lake of the Woods District Hospital, which will contribute to
patient safety and provide quality care to the residents of Kenora.”
“Dryden RHC - Providers practicing
across sectors to improve integration
of care & reach underserved
communities #HQT2015”
8
HOME SWEET HOME FOR THE RÉSEAU DU MIEUX-ÊTRE
FRANCOPHONE DU NORD DE L’ONTARIO
Diane Quintas, Executive Director and Chantal Bohémier, Community Engagement and Planning Officer, enjoying a new meeting space.
Congratulations to the Réseau du mieux-être
“We are thrilled to be in a space of growth
francophone du Nord de l’Ontario, or Réseau
and collaboration,” said Diane Quintas,
for short, on their warm and welcoming new
Executive Director of the Réseau.
office space. Located at 234 Van Norman
space brings to life our mission, which is to
Street in Thunder Bay, the Réseau can be
ensure that Francophones of the vast region
found at the heart of a vibrant Francophone
of Northwestern Ontario have access to a
cooperative building that houses a wide
continuum of quality French language health
range of services to the Francophone
community.
Connected Space – Novocentre multifunction room that can be used for
engagement and as a classroom.
“This
care programs and services that meet their
need.”
Dr. Sarah Newbery Announced as New
President of the Ontario College of Family
Physicians
Appointments and
Accolades
The North West LHIN extends its sincere congratulations to Dr. Sarah Newbery,
Fall proved to be a rewarding time for numerous
health care providers in the North West LHIN!
Taking home awards in multiple categories
including outstanding leadership, community
engagement, and teaching, each recipient is a
testament to the strong collaboration, innovation,
and dedication for which Northwestern Ontario is
known and respected.
who was appointed as the 60th President of the Ontario College of Family
Physicians on Thursday, November 12, 2015.
Dr. Newbery is an avid champion of rural medicine, and a well-known family
physician in Northwestern Ontario. For the past 19 years, Dr. Newbery has
been a family physician with the Marathon Family Health Team, and Chief of
Staff at Wilson Memorial General Hospital for the past 12 years. She is an
associate professor in the Division of Clinical Sciences at the Northern Ontario
School of Medicine, and is actively involved in curriculum development and
teaching.
9
Local Physicians Honoured by the Ontario
College of Family Physicians
Dr. Robert Algie
Recipient of the Reg L. Perkin
Ontario Family Physician of the
Year Award
The Reg L. Perkin Ontario Physician of the Year Award is given to a
family physician, nominated by his or her peers and colleagues, who
Pikangikum First Nation
Health Authority
has demonstrated exceptional contributions to patient care, education,
research, and community wellbeing. This year’s recipient, Dr. Robert
Algie, certainly meets this criteria as a result of the many hats he has
worn both in in the medical community and in the community of Fort
Frances where he practices. Among his many notable career highlights,
Dr. Algie was instrumental in establishing the Family Health Team in
Fort Frances, has served on the executive of the Ontario College of
Congratulations are in order for Pikangikum First Nation and Beringia
Family Physicians, provided primary care to Aboriginal communities
Community Planning Inc., who received awards in two categories
through the Gizhewaadiziwin Health Access Centre, and works closely
at the 2015 International Association for Public Participation (IAP2)
with medical students and residents in his role as a preceptor with the
Canada Core Values Awards in September.
Northern Ontario School of Medicine.
Recognizing the need to involve everyone in the healing process
following a series of mental health crises that gripped the community,
Pikangikum Health Authority teamed up with Vancouver-based firm
Beringia Community Planning to implement a community-based
Dr. Michael Kirlew
engagement project that encouraged all members of the First
Nation to share their vision of a healthier community.
Recipient of the Community
Teacher of the Year
Nearly 900 people of all ages participated over the course of the
two-year project, which involved culturally-appropriate and inclusive
techniques such as community feasts, open houses, art and collage,
and many more.
As a practicing physician in Wapekeka First Nation, an assistant
At the end of the process, a Comprehensive Community Health Plan
professor at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and a mentor
was developed complete with recommendations, an implementation
to medical students at Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre, Dr.
strategy, and a resource toolkit should community members wish to
Michael Kirlew is the recipient of the Community Teacher of the Year
conduct similar engagements in the future.
Award. The Community Teacher of the Year Award acknowledges
exceptional efforts by a physician to mentor medical students and
Because of the planners’ efforts to empower participants with
residents, who also nominate recipients for the award.
ownership of the decision-making process, the “Working it Out
Together” Project netted the partnership an IAP2 Canada Core
Many thanks to Drs. Kirlew and Algie for sharing their passions for rural
Values Award for both Project of the Year and Award for Indigenous
and First Nation medicine, teaching, and community development with
Engagement.
both students and residents of the North West LHIN.
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Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre Wins
Quality Healthcare Workplace Award
Congratulations to Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC), recipient of a
Silver Level Quality Healthcare Workplace Award in November 2015. The award, which
is jointly issued by the Ontario Hospital Association and the Ministry of Health and LongTerm Care, recognizes organizations that go beyond employee wellness, exhibiting
characteristics of a healthy, high-performing healthcare workplace.
SLMHC received specific recognition for its focus on health and performance, including
cross-cultural training, ongoing professional development, its health and wellness
committee, and for employee recognition including long-service and outstanding
performance, and its annual departmental weeks which acknowledge staff and the
work that they do.
DO YOU KNOW?
North West LHIN
Flu Season is Coming: Know Your
Health Care Options!
health caRe OptiONs
KNOW YOUR
familY health caRe pROvideR
Contact your family health care provider (physician or
nurse practitioner) for office hours over the holidays.
cOmmUNitY afteR - hOURs cliNics
iN the eveNt Of aN emeRgeNcY ,
alWaYs dial 911.
/ WalK-iN cliNics
At an after-hours clinic or walk-in clinic, patients can see
a nurse or doctor without appointment. Many medical
clinics, family health teams, nurse practitioner-led clinics,
and pharmacies operate walk-in clinics.
To find out about your provider’s clinic hours, contact your
family health care provider.
Walk-in clinic information can also be found by:
• Calling 211
• Visiting www.211north.ca
• Visiting www.northwesthealthline.ca
phaRmacies
Pharmacists now have the authority to prescribe some
drugs, renew non-narcotic prescriptions for up to six
months, administer the flu vaccine, and provide advice to
people with chronic conditions.
flU vacciNatiONs
Flu vaccinations are available by appointment at Thunder
Bay District Health Unit’s immunization clinic.
• Visit www.thunderbayflu.ca for more
information.
telehealth ONtaRiO *
Talk to a registered nurse 24 hours a day, seven days a
week at 1-866-797-0000.
*Telehealth does not replace 911. You should always call 911 in an emergency.
health caRe cONNect
Health Care Connect helps people who are without a
doctor find one. Call 1-800-445-1822 for more information.
“Meeting with the @NorthWestLHIN today to dicuss the progress and successes
of the @SWRWCP #collaboration #DonReinventTheWheel”
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The North West LHIN’s Guide to Snow Day Streaming
As cooler temperatures and blankets of snow close in, nothing sounds more inviting than curling up with a warm cup of tea and a movie marathon. The North West LHIN invites you to add these recommended titles to your snow day queue, featuring compelling stories about health
care in the Northwest.
Rings of Fire - Watch video
Follow Nurse Practitioner Mae Katt as she travels to deliver a mobile opiate addiction treatment program in remote First Nation Marten Falls.
As its members journey from the throes of addiction to healing, the community is poised to be an integral partner as plans for the Ring of Fire
mining operations move ahead.
Forgetful, Not Forgotten - Watch the video series - Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3
In this moving documentary, filmmaker Chris Wynn chronicles the progression of his father’s early onset Alzheimer’s disease, the stressors
involved in taking care of a loved one, his personal fears about inheriting the disease, and the importance of relying on each other for support.
Eyes on the North - Season 2, Ep. 4
This Accessible Media Inc. special highlights a unique solution that Northern Ontario residents depend on to access complete eye care in
small communities where services may not be readily available – the Canadian National Institute for the Blind’s (CNIB) mobile eye care unit.
This fully-equipped mobile clinic, staffed by an ophthalmologist and ophthalmological nurses, is certainly a welcome sight to residents of the
over 30 communities that it visits each year along its 6,000 kilometre route.
Events
Alzheimer Awareness Month
January 2016
National Non-Smoking Week
January 17-23, 2016
North West LHIN Board Meeting
January 26, 2016
Heart Month
February 2016
Pink Shirt Day
February 24, 2016
North West LHIN Board Meeting
No Board meeting is scheduled for February
Childhood Arthritis Month
March 2016
Red Cross Month
March 2016
North West LHIN Board Meeting
March 29, 2016
Want to stay connected?
If you would like to receive our quarterly
LHINkages Newsletter, please send your email
to [email protected]
If you would like to learn more or have a story to share, please contact our
Corporate Communications and Community Engagement team, we would love
to hear from you!
Like us on Facebook.
www.facebook.com/nwlhin
Contact details here:
Follow us on Twitter.
Email: [email protected]
Online: www.northwestlhin.on.ca
Toll Free: 1 866-907-5446
twitter.com/NorthWestLHIN
North West LHIN documents can be made available in alternate formats to meet accessibility needs.
Please contact [email protected] or toll free at 1 866-907-5446.
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